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Gambhir backs Pathan to strike form soon

Gambhir said that Kolkata is still winning matches without Yusuf Pathan\'s contribution.

Chennai: Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir is not too bothered about Yusuf Pathan's extended lean patch and preferred to stay positive, saying it is a "good sign" that the team is still winning games without much contribution from the big-hitting batsman.

Pathan, who was bought by KKR for $2.1 million, is yet to justify his price tag as he aggregates a dismal 48 runs from nine matches this season, averaging a poor 6.85. But Gambhir backed the under-fire batsman to the hilt and said it was just a matter of time before Pathan strikes form.

"We're not thinking about his [Pathan's] form. He's a quality player. It's just about one innings. He's a big match player, and hopefully, he can turn it around. It's only a matter of time before he starts hitting the ball well," the KKR skipper said.

"If we're winning without him contributing much, it's a good sign for the team," Gambhir said after his side defeated Chennai Super Kings by five wickets last night to move up to the second position in the standings with 13 points from 10 matches.

Asked about the secret of his stupendous form, Gambhir said: "Nothing. There's no secret to good form. It's only about staying focused and hitting the balls. When things go your way, make full use of it because you don't know when a bad patch will hit you."

Last night's win was also KKR's maiden win in Chennai in the five editions of the Twenty20 league.

"I'm a firm believer that past is past. You don't look back at things because that is history. I always believe in looking forward. It never for once crossed my mind that we've never won in Chennai. It was a fresh game and that's how we played it," was Gambhir's reply when asked about the feat.

For KKR a big match is in the offing as they take on table toppers Delhi Daredevils at Eden Gardens on Sunday, but Gambhir refused to give much importance to the tie.

"It's not a big clash. For me, it's just another game of cricket. We've got to approach it as any other game," he said.